Shipping from China to Amazon FBA USA

Being one of the largest retailers in the world, Amazon has strict requirements when it comes to packaging, labeling, and storing your goods. With the continuous rise of e-commerce business, shipping from China to Amazon in the United States has become very popular.

This process is not as simple as it seems; every link is directly related to the profit of your Amazon business.

Shipping from China to Amazon FBA USA means that Amazon FBA allows sellers to ship the goods they received from China to an Amazon Center in the USA. This can be done directly to the Amazon Fulfillment Center in the USA, to a personal address (then ship it to the Amazon FBA warehouse), or via Prep Service Company (then to Amazon FBA warehouse).

Of course, the simple and convenient way it to entrust your supplier to ship the goods directly to your Amazon address, but this is not that easy. Your supplier will have to contact a Chinese freight forwarder to transport your goods. The difference in the middle is also a large fee, and when you ask about the status of your goods, they often respond slowly.

For an easy and smooth experience we recommend using the services of a freight forwarder.

How can a freight forwarder help you with your Amazon business?

A freight forwarder or cargo agent is a reliable and experienced person who will help you find solutions for shipping from China to Amazon FBA USA.

In order to help you with your Amazon business they can pick-up or consolidate your goods, check/inspect your goods, and label your goods as per Amazon requirements.

1.      Picking-up or to consolidating your goods

In order to make it as convenient as possible, your freight forwarder will contact your supplier, pick up the goods to their own warehouse, and help you store them until you need them. Even if you buy goods from different sellers that are not at the same address, they will collect them separately, and then send your goods to you in a unified package.

2. Check your goods - Product/goods inspection

When you are shipping from China to the Amazon FBA USA, a freight forwarder can do one last inspection of your goods (in China). All requirements can be met, from the inspection of the outer box, to the quantity, quality, and even product photos or other needs. With a freight forwarder your goods will be delivered to the Amazon fulfillment center safely and in time.

3. Amazon preparation services such as labeling

Cargo agents often have years of experience and will ensure that your product meets Amazon's requirements. By doing these preparations in advance, such as FNSKU labeling, packaging, poly bagging, bubble wrapping, and so on, in the Chinese warehouse, it will save your costs greatly.

With the experience of a freight forwarder you can be sure your goods are complying with Amazon requests.

What are the necessary documents when you are shipping from China to Amazon FBA USA?

After your cargo enters the U.S. port or airport, it will face customs inspection and clearance processes. This job requires advance preparation and rich experience.

If you are new in the e-commerce business, then you need to rely on the additional services of a freight forwarder because Amazon products always have their own rules. Freight forwarder have years of experience and will ensure that your goods meet Amazon's requirements.

The necessary documents to be prepared are:

1.        CBP Form 3461

2.        CBP Form 7501

3.        Commercial Invoice

4.        Packing List

5.        Bill of Lading

6.        Customs Bond

7.        Arrival Notice

8.        Commodity Specific Documentation

9.        Importer Security Filing

Once your goods arrive at the US Customs, you will need to submit CBP Form 3461 and CBP Form 7501.

CBP Form 3461 is submitted electronically to U.S. Customs, where your cargo is either released or designated for customs inspection.

CBP form 7501 represents the Customs Entry or Entry Summary, and it is used to calculate duties and provide detailed information about the nature of the goods being brought into the United States. This document is usually filled and submitted by a Customs Broker.

After the submission of a Customs Entry, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) have the right to perform goods inspection. These inspections are done completely at random, but if this is you first time importing goods into the country, your chances are higher for your goods to be examined by the CBP. If no legal or regulatory violations have been found, your shipment will be released.

If you chose ocean transportation, you’re going to need to submit information about your shipment to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP), 24 hours before the shipment departs from its country of origin (China). This is known as the Importer Security Filing (ISF) or “10+2”, and does not apply to other modes of transportation.

“10+2” comes from the full name of the process, which is “Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements.”

There are 10 importer security filing requirements as follows: 1. Seller name, 2. Buyer name, 3. Importer of Record Number, 4. Consignee Number, 5. Manufacturer of Supplier, 6. Ship to Party, 7. Country of Origin, 8. HTSUS Number, 9. Container Stuffing Location, 10. Consolidator - and 2 additional carrier requirements: 1. Vessel Stow Plan, 2. Container Status Message.

If you failure to comply or submit an accurate ISF, it will result in serious delays and monetary penalties of $5,000 per violation, and increased customs inspections on your shipment.

Another important aspect when you are shipping from China to Amazon FBA USA is the 10-digit Harmonized Tariff Code (HS Code). This code is used by customs to identify the goods shipped across international borders, along with their related taxes and duties.

This is the most important thing that all importers must know when importing goods. After you confirmed your HS code, you can check your goods tariffs for free in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule https://hts.usitc.gov/?query=9506.99. You can get this code from your supplier.